You shall see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve him. – Malachi 3:18
The principles of the kingdom of God are straightforward. Something is either true or it is false. Actions are either righteous or sinful. Jesus is either Lord of all or He is not Lord at all. There is no neutral zone in the life of a follower of Jesus Christ. There is no “Switzerland” for Christians.
The lines between the righteous and the wicked become clear through their actions: a person either serves the Lord or he does not. In today’s society, Christians seem to increasingly accept the nation’s drift into immorality and away from biblical principles. By not standing for the truth, the testimony of many who claim to follow Christ has become impotent.
God’s word speaks to every area of life and calls those who believe in Jesus to be transformed into His likeness. Paul points out that some who had come to Christ used to be sexually immoral, idolaters, adulterers, those who practiced homosexuality, thieves, greedy, drunkards, revilers, and swindlers (1 Corinthians 6:9-11). When you come to Jesus, your desire is for His righteousness and the inheritance of His kingdom.
Be ready to offer your witness today of the ways God has set you free from sin. Don’t worry about trying not to offend others, simply ask God for wisdom (James 1:5). Know the Word of God and stand on it (Ephesians 6:14-15). Speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). When you put a priority on your commitment to God’s truth and your relationship with Him, you will keep from being lukewarm like the Laodiceans of Revelation 3:15-16. Pray for members of Congress who know the Lord to keep strong testimonies with His help.
Today’s Verse: Malachi 3:18
Then once more you shall see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve him.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Proverbs 28:2-12
When a land transgresses, it has many rulers,
but with a man of understanding and knowledge,
its stability will long continue.
3 A poor man who oppresses the poor
is a beating rain that leaves no food.
4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked,
but those who keep the law strive against them.
5 Evil men do not understand justice,
but those who seek the Lord understand it completely.
6 Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity
than a rich man who is crooked in his ways.
7 The one who keeps the law is a son with understanding,
but a companion of gluttons shames his father.
8 Whoever multiplies his wealth by interest and profit
gathers it for him who is generous to the poor.
9 If one turns away his ear from hearing the law,
even his prayer is an abomination.
10 Whoever misleads the upright into an evil way
will fall into his own pit,
but the blameless will have a goodly inheritance.
11 A rich man is wise in his own eyes,
but a poor man who has understanding will find him out.
12 When the righteous triumph, there is great glory,
but when the wicked rise, people hide themselves.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
